Frosted Eagle (AKA: Frosted Hawk, Old Abe)

Object NameCompote

Manufacturer Ripley & Co. (American (Pittsburgh, PA), 1866 - 1891)

Date1883

MediumNon-flint clear and frosted pressed glass

Dimensions10 × 6 1/4 × 6 1/4 in. (25.4 × 15.9 × 15.9 cm) Compote: 6 × 6 1/8 × 6 1/8 in. (15.2 × 15.6 × 15.6 cm) Lid: 4 1/2 × 6 1/4 × 6 1/4 in. (11.4 × 15.9 × 15.9 cm)

ClassificationsDecorative Arts, Glass

Credit LineGift of Jacquelyn, member of #871 Captain Greeley Quester, and Ronald Smith. In the Iowa Quester Glass Collection, Brunnier Art Museum, University Museums, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa.

Object numberUM2016.903ab

Status

On view

Collections

CultureAmerican

Label TextThe bald eagle is one of the most recognizable symbols of the United States, with its origins as a national emblem dating back to the country’s founding. First appearing in 1782 as part of the Great Seal of the United States, the bald eagle quickly came to represent the nation as a whole. Its adoption, however, was not without controversy. Benjamin Franklin famously opposed the choice, writing that the bald eagle is “a bird of bad moral character; like those among men who live by sharping and robbing” and instead felt that the turkey would be a better national symbol as it was “a much more respectable bird and withal a true, original native of America.” Despite Franklin’s objections, the bald eagle was embraced as a national symbol due to it being seen as a symbol of strength, courage, and freedom for generations. As a bird native to North America, it was also seen as uniquely American. Over time, the bald eagle has surpassed earlier national symbols such as Columbia and even Uncle Sam to become the de facto symbol of the United States, only being rivaled by Lady Liberty. Its image continues to be featured on countless decorative and patriotic items such as cup plates, textiles, glass tableware, and the kerosene lamp chimney, serving as a proud emblem of the United States of America. https://www.va.gov/opa/publications/celebrate/eagle.pdf

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